Earnings Release • Jul 25, 2022
Earnings Release
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Levallois, July 25, 2022, 6:45 am CET
in line with company volume forecasts (H1 2022 volumes equivalents to H2 2021), with performance 1.6 points higher than the market2 on a like-for-like basis (LFL) 1 in H1 2022 vs. H2 2021.
H1 2022 operating margin1 up significantly compared to H2 2021 despite rising inflation
"In the first half of 2022, Plastic Omnium demonstrated strong performance with an operating margin at 4.6% and displayed strong resilience in a market unsettled by rising inflation and production stoppages linked to a persistent chip shortage, the war in Ukraine and the sanitary situation in China. This was achieved thanks to the tremendous mobilization of our teams, ongoing cost optimization and other measures to offset and mitigate the impact of inflation. This first semester is also fully focused on the future, with the deployment of our strategy through a series of acquisitions, in particular in electrification and lighting, enabling the Group to reinforce its leadership, diversify by adapting to major developments in the automotive market and ensure the Group's growth in the long term. Under these conditions, the Group confirms its guidance for 2022: outperformance in economic revenue relative to global automotive production growth4, operating margin between 5% and 6% of revenue and free cash-flow generation in excess of €260 million."
1 See glossary on p. 9
2 Source: S&P Global Mobility Report of July 2022
3 Subject to obtaining antitrust clearances and other customary regulatory approvals
4 Assumption adopted for worldwide automotive production in 2022: S&P Global Mobility (formerly IHS Markit) February 2022 - |0; 3.5t PC + LCV| 81 million vehicles, -5%, at constant scope and exchange rates.
The Board of Directors of Compagnie Plastic Omnium SE, chaired by Mr. Laurent Burelle, met on July 20, 2022, and approved the consolidated financial statements for the half-year ended June 30, 2022.
These 2022 half-year results reflect a significant improvement in the Group's performance and its robustness compared to H2 2021. Free cash-flow generation totaled €134 million (3.4% of revenue), demonstrating, once again, the strength of the Group's management model.
| In € million | H1 2021 | H1 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Economic revenue1 | 4,138 | 4,318 |
| Consolidated revenue1 | 3,784 | 3,921 |
| Operating margin1 | 234 | 179 |
| % of consolidated revenue | 6.2% | 4.6% |
| Net result, Group share | 142 | 104 |
| EBITDA1 | 461 | 414 |
| % of consolidated revenue | 12.2% | 10.6% |
| Investments | 149 | 154 |
| Free cash-flow1 | 151 | 134 |
| Net debt at June 30, 20221 | 890 | 851 |
| Net debt/Equity | 44% | 39.1% |
| Net debt/EBITDA | 0.9x | 1.2x |
In the first half of 2022, worldwide automotive production continued to be affected by production stoppages linked to the chip shortage, the war in Ukraine and a further lockdown in China. The impact of the chip shortage increased over the first half-year: 3.4 million vehicles were lost compared to the S&P Global Mobility forecast beginning of 2022.
However, overall production volumes increased slightly by 2.7% during this first semester of 2022 compared to the second semester of 2021, with 37.3 million vehicles manufactured2 (vs. 36.6 million in H2 2021). This represents, nonetheless, a drop of 1.2% compared to the first semester of 2021 (37.8 million vehicles).
In this context, Plastic Omnium's economic revenue came in at €4,318 million, up 6.6% at constant scope and exchange rates compared to the second half of 2021. It is up versus the first half of 2021 (+0.4% at constant scope and exchange rates), which recorded a significant upturn following the end of successive global lockdowns due to the pandemic.
Group economic revenue was up 4.3% as reported in the first half of 2022 vs. the first half of 2021. The Modules business enjoyed a strong development with a +4.6% growth in revenue in the first half of 2022 compared to the first half of 2021, whereas the Industries' business posted a +4.2% revenue growth as reported. This performance was, however, supported by a positive foreign exchange impact linked to the
1 See glossary on p. 9
2 Source: S&P Global Mobility Report and 07/22
weakness of the Euro vs. the US Dollar and the Renminbi. At constant scope and exchange rates, the Industries' business revenue remains stable.
Plastic Omnium consolidated revenue, excluding joint ventures, amounted to €3,921 million in the first half of 2022, up 3.6% as reported and is stable at constant scope and exchange rates compared to the first half of 2021.
| In € million by business | H1 2021 | H1 2022 | Change | LFL change1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic Omnium Industries | 2,992 | 3,119 | +4.2% | 0.0% |
| Plastic Omnium Modules | 1,146 | 1,198 | +4.6% | +1.6% |
| Economic revenue1 | 4,138 | 4,318 | +4.3% | +0.4% |
| Joint ventures | 354 | 397 | +12.1% | +6.0% |
| Plastic Omnium Industries | 2,739 | 2830 | +3.3% | -0.5% |
| Plastic Omnium Modules | 1,045 9 |
1091 9 |
+4.3% | +1.1% |
| Consolidated revenue1 | 3,784 | 3,921 | +3.6% | -0.1% |
With economic revenue increasing by +0.4% at constant scope and exchange rates, the Group outperformed worldwide automotive production (down –1.2%) by 1.6 points in the first half of 2022 compared to the first half of 2021.
| In € million by region | H1 2021 | H1 2022 | LFL change |
Change in automotive production2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Europe | 2,277 | 2,138 | -6.3% | -11.4% |
| North America | 1,030 | 1,263 | +11.3% | +4.3% |
| China | 434 | 445 | -6.8% | +3.5% |
| Asia excluding China | 283 | 331 | +16.1% | -1.7% |
| Other | 116 | 141 | +16.8% | +2.4% |
| Economic revenue | 4,138 | 4,318 | +0.4% | -1.2% |
| Joint ventures | 354 | 397 | +6.0% | n/a |
| Consolidated revenue | 3,784 | 3,921 | -0.1% | -1.2% |
1 See glossary on p. 9
2 Source: S&P Global Mobility Report of July 2022
In Europe, Plastic Omnium reported revenue of €2,138 million for the first half of 2022, down 6.3% like-forlike compared to the first semester of 2021, in an automotive market down 11.4% compared to the first semester of 2021. This equates to an outperformance of 5.1 points. Revenue was, nonetheless, up 10.3% like-for-like compared to the second half of 2021. Germany remains the largest contributor to Group revenue, accounting for 15% of total sales but was however affected in the period by the war in Ukraine.
In North America, Plastic Omnium revenue totaled €1,263 million in the first half of 2022, up 11.3% at constant scope and exchange rates vs. the first half of 2021. It grew like-for-like at 11% against the second semester of 2021. Overall, revenue came in well above automotive production (+4.3% vs. the first half of 2021, +13.6% vs. the second half of 2021). The American market was less impacted by the war in Ukraine and the chip shortages.
In China, which accounts for 10% of Group economic revenue, Plastic Omnium reported revenue totaled €445 million, down 6.8% on a like-for-like basis on the first half of the year, underperforming automotive production which increased 3.5 points during the half-year (compared to the first half of 2021). Growth of 3.4% of YFPO revenue, the Group's joint-venture with Yangfeng, is in-line with market growth over the period. Fuel storage solutions and Modules activities were heavily impacted by customers' production stoppages.
In Asia excluding China, revenue totaled €331 million in the first half of 2022, up 16.1% at constant scope and exchange rates compared to the first half of 2021. Relative to the market drop of 1.7% year-on-year, this represented an outperformance of 17.8 points. In addition, revenues are up +13.7% like-for-like compared to the second half of 2021 benefiting from a dynamic activity in Thailand and India, particularly thanks to new launches.
Flexing and inflation mitigation measures were stepped up to absorb the consequences of production stoppages linked to chip shortages, the war in Ukraine and the lockdown in China. The combination of production stoppages and inflation impacted the Group's margin by approximately €150 million (gross before mitigation), with inflation representing €90 million. Mitigation effects helped reduce the inflation impact which accounted for only approximatively €30 million net.
The Group continued to work on industrial efficiency measures as well as on its OMEGA transformation plan. This plan is meant to streamline the organization by simplifying processes and developing transversality as well as digital transformation. 4,100 initiatives have been launched so far, allowing the Group to confirm cost reductions of €137 million to date.
Group operating income is therefore €179 million for the first half of 2022, equal to 4.6% of revenue.
Plastic Omnium Industries achieved an operating margin of 5.6% of revenue, including operating expenditure for the New Energies Division for approximately €15 million.
| In € million and as a % of revenue by business |
H1 2021 | H2 2021 | H1 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consolidated revenue | 3,784 | 3,449 | 3,921 |
| Plastic Omnium Industries | 2739 | 2501 | 2830 |
| Plastic Omnium Modules | 1045 | 948 | 1091 |
| Operating margin as a % of consolidated revenue |
234 6.2% |
69 2.0% |
179 4.6% |
| Plastic Omnium Industries as a % of consolidated revenue |
209 7.6% |
62 2.5% |
159 5.6% |
| Plastic Omnium Modules as a % of consolidated revenue |
25 2.4% |
7 0.7% |
20 1.9% |
Other operating expenses totaled €17 million in H1 2022 compared to -€21 million in H1 2021.
Net financial expenses amounted to -€24 million vs. -€25.6 million in H1 2021.
Income tax expense is -€30 million, representing an effective tax rate of 26%.
Net result, group share amount to €104 million or 2.7% of consolidated revenue.
EBITDA amounted to €414 million in the first half of 2022, representing 10.6% of consolidated revenue (and 12.8% of revenue in Plastic Omnium Industries) compared to €461 million and 12.2% of consolidated revenue in the first half of 2021. This represents a marked improvement compared to the second half of 2021 with an EBITDA margin of 10.6% in the first half of 2022 vs. 9.0% in the second half of 2021.
In the first half of 2022, the Group invested €154 million, or 3.9% of revenue, compared to €149 million and €144 million in the first and second halves of 2021 respectively. 10% of capital invested was allocated to New Energies. In addition, R&D expenditure remained contained in the first half of the year at 3.2% of consolidated revenue. Over the entire year 2022, investments are likely to equal between 4% to 4.5% of revenue, including New Energies.
At the same time, Working Capital Requirement reached -€447 million at the end of June 2022, vs. -€498 million at the end of December 2021. This increase of €51 million is due to supply difficulties for logistics chains and "stop-and-go" in production. It is also linked to the seasonality of starts of production which will take place in the second half of 2022.
In the first half of 2022, the Group generated €134 million of free cash-flow, equal to 3.4% of consolidated revenue.
The company invested €20 million in the French company Verkor whose ambition is to accelerate low-carbon battery production in France. The Group distributed €49 million of dividends. Net debt is at €851 million per June 30, 2022, improved €3 million compared to December 31, 2021. The gearing ratio is at 38% and the leverage ratio at 1,2x.
On June 30, 2022, the Group's liquidity amounts to €2.8 billion. It comprises available cash of €0.9 billion and confirmed and undrawn credit facilities of €1.9 billion, with an average maturity of 3.5 years with no covenants. A new Schuldschein Darlehen private placement was successfully completed in May. This issuance particularly allows the early refinancing of the €300 million Schuldschein Darlehen facility expiring in June 2023. The net impact on the Group's liquidity at the end of June was €259 million.
Over the first half of 2022, Plastic Omnium enjoyed a record level of order intake, higher than the level reached in the second half of 2021 in particular thanks to the commercial successes in electrification and hydrogen.
In addition, the order book for Hydrogen increased twofold over the past six months, with orders in Europe and America confirming the Group's revenue ambition of €300 million from 2025 and €3 billion in 2030.
The first half of 2022 was rich in acquisitions projects consistent with the Group's long-term growth and transformation strategy. The strategic plan, presented at the Capital Markets Day in May 2022, includes two pillars aimed at seizing the opportunities of a transforming mobility market.
The first pillar targets at strengthening the Group's leadership through increased content and value per vehicle through the complementarity of its activities: it will allow the development of a new integrated, unique exterior systems offering. The second pillar is based on focused diversification fully in-line with major market trends in businesses with high potential for synergies with existing activities, such as lighting, battery systems and power electronics.
On July 1st, the Group created a Lighting division which will combine the activities of AMLS and Varroc Lighting Systems, once this acquisition is completed (Q4 2022)1.
Consequently, Plastic Omnium will take a pole position across the entire lighting value chain with a comprehensive range of products, from components to complete headlights, and a well-balanced geographical footprint.
Plastic Omnium Lighting generated pro-forma economic revenue of €1 billion in 2021, with 11 plants worldwide and 7,000 employees. Looking forward, the new division is targeting economic revenue of €1.5 billion by 2027.
1 Subject to clearance by relevant merger control authorities and other customary regulatory approvals
The acquisition of 100% of AMLS (Automotive Lighting Systems) business of the ams OSRAM group specializing in automotive lighting was finalized on July 1st , 2022. AMLS is consolidated in the Plastic Omnium financial statements from July 1st 2022.
An agreement was signed on April 29 for the acquisition of Varroc Lighting Systems (VLS), a business of Varroc Engineering Limited Group, which is expected to be finalized in the fourth quarter of 20221. The enterprise value is €600 million.
Capitalizing on its recognized industrial know-how, CES launched the development of electric battery systems in 2019 and is now accelerating this activity through its industrial partnership with Verkor and the acquisition of ACTIA Power1. This will enable the Group to meet the needs of all types of electric vehicles, whether hybrid, rechargeable hybrid, battery, or fuel cell.
On March 29, 2022, Plastic Omnium announced a €20 million investment in Verkor, a French manufacturer of low-carbon, high-efficiency battery cells. This investment is complemented by an industrial partnership to develop production and marketing capabilities for electric battery modules and packs for passengers and commercial vehicles, as well as for stationary energy storage solutions.
In addition, on June 27, 2022, Plastic Omnium agreed with ACTIA Group to acquire 100% of the ACTIA Power division for an enterprise value of €52.5 million, with a closing scheduled in the third quarter of 2022. It will provide Plastic Omnium with a new technological platform and cutting-edge R&D capabilities in electronic components design, electric power storage and management systems, as well as access to a strong customers' portfolio in heavy mobility.
The worldwide automotive market remains highly disrupted with trends differing from one region to another. The situation in Ukraine is accentuating the already high inflation and tensions on European supply chains, which continue to be impeded by the chip shortage. Supply chain disruptions continue to trigger decline in production at several automotive manufacturers and suppliers. In addition, restrictions related to the return of Covid-19 in China since late March remain an element of uncertainty. The combination of these factors accentuates the lack of visibility.
Plastic Omnium is monitoring the situation closely and continues to plan its operations based on worldwide automotive production figures published by S&P Global Mobility in February 2022, less 5%, that is 77 million cars for full-year 2022.
On this assumption and given the effectiveness of flexing and cost reduction programs, the Group confirms its guidance for 2022 at constant scope and exchange rates:
1 Subject to clearance by relevant merger control authorities and other customary regulatory approvals
Compagnie Plastic Omnium SE's 2022 half-year results will be presented during a webcast on Monday, July 25, 2022, at 9.00 am (Paris time).
To follow the webcast, please click on the following link: https://channel.royalcast.com/landingpage/plastic-omnium-en/20220725\_1/
If you wish to access the conference call, simply dial one of the following numbers:
Then provide the operator with the code: Plastic Omnium
More detailed financial information is available at www.plasticomnium.com.
October 25, 2022: Q3 2022 revenue
This definition was modified on January 1st , 2022, to take account of the shift in the Group's growth model towards a model where partnerships will contribute more to its activity. This modification results in the inclusion of the revenue of the associate EKPO, acquired on March 1st, 2021; the impact on revenue is not material.
Assumption adopted for worldwide automotive production in 2022: S&P Global Mobility (formerly IHS Markit) February 2022 - |0; 3.5t PC + LCV| 81 million vehicles, -5%, at constant scope and exchange rates.
Worldwide or regional automotive production data refers to S&P Global Mobility (formerly-IHS Markit) forecasts for July 2022 (passenger vehicles segment < 3.5 metric tons and commercial light vehicles).
This press release is published in English and French. In the event of any discrepancy between these versions, the original French version shall prevail.
A world leader, Plastic Omnium provides innovative solutions for a more connected and sustainable mobility. The Group develops and produces intelligent exterior systems, high added value lighting systems, clean energy systems and customized complex modules. With €8 billion economic revenue in 2021, an international footprint of 137 plants and 31 R&D centers, Plastic Omnium relies on its 30,000 employees to meet the challenges of clean and smart mobility. Innovation-driven since its creation, Plastic Omnium is now paving the way for zero carbon mobility through its investments in hydrogen and electrification solutions, where the Group has ambitions to become world leader.
Plastic Omnium is listed on Euronext Paris, compartment A, is eligible for the Deferred Settlement Service (SRD) and is part of the SBF 120 and CAC Mid 60 indices (ISIN code: FR0000124570). www.plasticomnium.com
Press: Sarah ADIL [email protected]
Investor Relations: Audrey Arnoux [email protected]
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